Research Technologist

What You Will Do

As a technologist, one would perform technical work requiring advanced knowledge in the area of science or engineering. Focused assignments are usually portions of the total design or research project and require technical depth and understanding. Research Technologists contribute to the development, implementation, and completion of project objectives. As part of a research team you will communicate results through internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications.

Research Technologists may have responsibility for safety/security envelope for projects, the team, or the group. Work will include systems which may have hazards involving high consequences for safety such as, high energy capacitor banks, X-ray systems, gas pressure/vacuum systems, and radiological containment. Work will be related to national security objectives, requiring the individual to hold a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP).

• Develops new techniques, concepts, experimental design and/or innovative/effective solutions to complex problems especially as related to new equipment upgrades, installations, testing, and upkeep.
• May resolve problems of moderately complex scope requiring integration of data across a breadth of technical areas.
• Works under minimal consultative direction toward pre-determined long-range goals and objectives. This work is checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than formal review by a superior.
• Acts as lead reviewing activities of personnel, ensures work, materials, processes and final product meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements.
• Develops specifications for complex projects, oversees the implementation and ensures the end product meets expectations and requirements.
• Prepares research documentation and provides peer-review of documentation from other members of the team.
• Develops ideas and components of research/production documentation and proposals.
• Is frequent author/co-author of peer reviewed publications and contributes significantly to proposals.
• Leads a small team of technologists, technicians and newer engineers in their experimental/ technical work with respect to new equipment installation projects.
• Develops specifications for system/equipment design and/or production processes. This is to include maintenance and upkeep documentation as it relates to the systems and equipment designs.
• Understands and adheres to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to the work and work area to which assigned.
• Fosters a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
• May perform role as safety officer or other work-related responsibility at group or division level.

In addition to what was outlined at the lower Technologist 3 level

• Independently develops new techniques, concepts, experimental design and/or innovative/effective solutions to complex problems in area of specialty equipment.
• Leads the resolution of unique or unusually complex or unique technical problems requiring analysis and interpretation of multiple, sometimes incomplete, data sets.
• Develops new principles and concepts as well as provides approval for principles and concepts developed by other team members.
• Perform assignments involving total design, requiring a high degree of technical expertise, and coordination of dependent and independent technical contributors.
• Contributions have a very substantial impact on project goals and institutional interests and might lead to failure to reach goals critical to organizational objectives; conversely, incorrect technical decisions cause significant delays to completion and substantial additional costs to projects, with significant impact to sponsor relationship.
• Provides supervision and direction toward pre-determined long-range goals and objectives.
• Initiates assignments for self and others. Checks work of others through consultation and agreement.
• Responsible for developing or validating specifications for very complex, multi-tiered project implementations, and verifying that the end product meets expectations and requirements.
• Develops ideas and components to the production of research documentation.

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of scientific principles, experimental processes, computations, and data gathering methods.
• Demonstrated advanced-level knowledge of and experience in writing and implementing procedures, standards and guides.
• Moderate experience covering either a large project or several smaller projects contributing to an overall program.

Additional Job Requirements for higher level title:

• Demonstrated advanced/expert knowledge in installation, testing, and upkeep of specialized or often custom equipment related to NDE acquired by…